Gm Unveil Its Second Variant E-flex System at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show

General Motors with its continuing commitment in developing transportation that reduces oil use and promotes energy diversity has extended its reach at the Shanghai Auto Show 2007 with the debut of its next iteration of the E-Flex electric architecture, configured with GM’s newest and most efficient hydrogen fuel cell system.

The E-Flex system make use of General Motors new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery that provides it with up to 300 miles (483 km) of petroleum- and emissions-free electric driving. It’s also equipped with auto components that are designed to enhance performance while reducing harmful emissions such as gm mufflers.

The fuel cell E-Flex is a true zero emission vehicle that operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity. It is plug-in capable which adds up to 20 additional miles or 34 km each time it is charges therefore reducing frequent trips to refueling station. The E-Flex system is a flexible all-electric production vehicle architecture that can be made to run on electricity from a number of sources. It has made its first appearance last January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle. The Chevrolet Volt is a battery electric vehicle that can travel 40 miles on electricity and make use of a small bio-fuel engine with a generator to extend its range to 640 miles (1030 km).

According to Larry Burns, GM’s Vice-President of Research and Development and Strategic Planning, "The beauty of our E-Flex strategy is that it allows us to package various propulsion systems into the same space depending on what energy is available locally. It also provides flexibility in the sources of energy. We can obtain hydrogen or electricity from a myriad of renewable sources - wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and biofuels - or from traditional sources such as natural gas, clean coal, nuclear or even gasoline. E-Flex provides flexibility in two ways: in the propulsion systems that can be used, and in the sources of energy that can be commercialized to compete with oil and meet global transportation growth in a sustainable way."

Based on some independent studies hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer superior overall efficiency and fewer greenhouse gas emissions as compared to internal combustion engines running on gasoline, considering both the creation of the energy and its use in the vehicle.

The fifth-generation fuel cell system used on the second variant E-Flex system is half the size of its predecessor but provides the same power and performance. The fourth generation presently powers the Chevrolet Sequel concept vehicle. The Chevrolet Sequel is capable of storing 8 kg of hydrogen and delivers a range of 300 miles (483 km). Likewise, the fuel cell Volt will also deliver 300 miles of range, but with only 4.0 kg of hydrogen (75 miles / kg).

GM's advancements in terms of its eco-friendly vehicles show that our fuel cell technology has the potential to be a competitive alternative to the internal combustion engine in terms of size, performance, durability and cost. Burns said, "Our progress has made us increasingly confident that our fuel cell propulsion system will be automotive-competitive. But before this technology can be made widely available--- governments, energy suppliers, and infrastructure companies around the world need to collaborate with GM and the auto industry to develop a market for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel."

A variety of technological advancements and lightweight materials have contributed to the efficiency of the Volt. It has an estimated curb weight of 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) and weighs 30 percent less than the Chevrolet Sequel. Moreover its fuel cell propulsion system is placed entirely under the hood and is equivalent in size to a four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission. The Volt also features molded GE plastic panels on the fenders, instrument panel, window glazings, and steering wheel that provides between 30 percent to 50 percent weight reductions per part.

The E-Flex fuel cell variant also showcases GM's third-generation wheel hub motors, packed inside the rear wheel that adds considerable torque power for all-wheel electric drive capability. Likewise, its new coreless motor technology reduces mass and increases its power surpassing the first generation shown in 2003.

General Motors is also taking its energy diversity technology to its range of trucks starting off with the development of truck components such as gmc muffler that reduces harmful emissions. These eco-friendly gmc mufflers are to be equipped on all GM trucks as part of the automaker’s drive in helping preserve the planet.